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Universal credit

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help you with your living costs. It is administered and paid by the Department for Work and Pensions.

It will eventually replace the following working-age benefits:

Child Tax Credit

Housing Benefit

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Working Tax Credit

You may be able to claim Universal Credit depending on your circumstances and the postcode area you live in. If you are not eligible to claim Universal Credit you will still be able to apply for the above benefits.

If you pay rent, your housing costs will normally be paid with your Universal Credit any you will no longer claim Housing Benefit from the Council.

For a temporary period, you will be unable to claim Universal Credit if you have 3 or more children and you have not claimed Universal Credit in the last six months. You should apply for other benefits instead including Housing Benefit.

If you live in supported accommodation, you will continue to receive help with your rent via Housing Benefit.